5

OF THE DRUID'S. 97
which, the most famous were Forchern, Neid,
Conla, Eogan, Modan, Moran, King Cormiac, his
chief justice Fithil, Fachma, Maine, Ethnea, the
daughter of Amalgad, and many more. Thesa
celestial judgments were only preserv'd
in traditionary
poems, according to the institution of the
Druids, till
committed to writing at the command
of Concovar*, king of Ulster, who dy'd in the
year of Christ 48, whereas Patric begun his
apostleship but in the year 432. The poets that
wrote were numberless, of whose works several
pieces remain still
intire, with diverse fragnaents
of others. The three greatest incouragers of
learning among the heathen Irish monarchs were
first, King Achaiusf (surnamed the doctor of Ireland),
who is said to have built at Tarah, an academy,
call'd the court of the learned%.
that ordain'd, for
'Twas he
every principal family, hereditary
antiquaries; or, in case of incapacity, the
most able of the same historical house, with rank
and privileges immediately after the Druids. The
next promoter of letters was Kiijg Tuathalius§,
whose surname is render'd Bonaventura (tho' not
so properly), and who appointed a triennial revision
of all the antiquaries books, by a committee
of three kings or great lords, three Druids, and
three antiquaries.
These were to cause whatever
Was approv'd and found valuable in those books,
* Conchobhar Nessan, i, e. Mac Neassa. + Eochaidh 01-
lamhfodla. % Mar.OUarotiau. § TuathEil Teachtmliar.
M